Portugal held to goalless attract Scotland however stay best of Countries League staff

Scotland are in spite of everything off the mark in UEFA Countries League Crew A after protecting a annoyed Portugal to a 0-0 draw at Hampden Park.

The guests, who had received their 3 earlier video games within the festival, ruled ownership right through, however that didn’t forestall their warring parties developing some respectable capturing alternatives, as Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie had moves stored.

Roberto Martinez’s facet, however, struggled to forge many openings in opposition to a resilient defence, with Cristiano Ronaldo uncharacteristically wasteful and Diogo Jota firing too on the subject of Craig Gordon.

Ronaldo and Francisco Conceicao then wasted superb probabilities after the damage, each lifting over the bar when left unmarked in respectable positions.

Their uncomplicated probabilities have been few and some distance between, although, with Bruno Fernandes having the ultimate – even if he used to be denied by means of Gordon – as Scotland defended resiliently, with Portugal in large part stored at arm’s period.

There is not any doubt that Scotland boss Steve Clarke continues to be beneath force, with this outcome extending his facet’s fresh shape to only one win in 16.

Similarly, although, this used to be an outstanding show from the hosts, who confirmed nice resilience in opposition to a threatening attacking outfit that desperately attempted to wreck the impasse.

Having stated that Scotland have been “at the proper trail” after their defeat to Croatia on the weekend, Clarke – and the supporters – can take center from in spite of everything getting off the mark within the Countries League. They’ve set the benchmark for his or her efficiency degree.

Grant Hanley (Scotland). Any of Scotland’s 4 beginning defenders may have received this award, given how neatly they controlled a Portugal facet who carried an enormous attacking danger.

Alternatively, Hanley as regards to pips fellow centre-back John Souttar for an excellent show wherein he didn’t put a foot mistaken.

The 32-year-old Norwich participant received quite a lot of headers as Portugal threw a hatful of crosses into the field, whilst he additionally made some key tackles and interceptions.

SCOTLAND: Gordon 7; Ralston 6, Souttar 7, Hanley 7, Robertson 7; Christie 7, Gilmour 6, McTominay 7, McLean 7, Doak 6; Adams 6. Subs: Morgan 6, Gauld 7, Dykes n/a, Devlin n/a

PORTUGAL: Costa 6; Cancelo 6, Silva 6, Dias 6, Mendes 7; Vitinha 6, Palhinha 6, Fernandes 6; Conceicao 5, Ronaldo 6, Jota 6. Subs: Bernardo Silva 6, Leao 6, Ruben Neves 6, Semedo n/a, Felix n/a

4’ BIG CHANCE! A vivid get started for Scotland, who forge an early likelihood for McTominay. He is picked out by means of Robertson’s whipped left wing move, however heads too on the subject of the goalkeeper.

48’ RONALDO SHOOTS OVER. That smile we noticed from the ahead previous has neatly and in reality long gone. He’s left in acres of house close to the penalty spot, however heads neatly over the bar. That is an enormous, large let off for Scotland.

51’ WHAT A WASTE! Any other large likelihood for Portugal, as Ronaldo slips in Conceicao at the fringe of the realm, just for the winger to lean again and raise harmlessly over.

82’ RONALDO FLASHES WIDE. Any other large likelihood for Ronaldo. The ball falls his manner within the field and he objectives a proper footed shot against the some distance publish, nevertheless it fizzes huge.

87’ GORDON SAVES. Very good reactions from the goalkeeper, who one way or the other will get right down to deny Fernandes from point-blank vary.

• Scotland move 8 video games with out a win for the primary time since 1998
• Portugal at the moment are unbeaten of their ultimate 8 clashes with Scotland, profitable 5, a run relationship again to 1980